Chestnut gall wasp threatens production in Vinhais

The chestnut gall wasp is currently uncontrolled in certain areas of the Vinhais municipality, potentially threatening this year's chestnut production and causing financial losses. Abel Pereira, president of the Arborea association, noted that the pest is particularly difficult to manage in locations such as Lomba and the villages of Tuizelo, Edral, and Vilar Seco.

The wasp creates galls on the buds and leaves of chestnut trees, which prevents growth and fruiting. While there is no cure, control efforts involve releasing the parasitoid ‘Torymus sinensis’, which feeds on the wasp. Although significant releases were made this year, the overall impact on production remains uncertain as the harvest for the ‘aveleira’ variety has only just begun.

In addition to the pest, weather conditions pose a risk. While current visual inspections of the chestnuts show no immediate sanitary issues, a combination of rising temperatures and rain could encourage fungi that cause chestnut rot.